Flooring installer fined $5000 over apprentice injury

A flooring installer has been fined $5000 after a labour hire apprentice suffered serious cuts to his hand while using an unguarded saw.

James Dodds — trading as Jaws Flooring — pleaded guilty to failing to provide a safe work environment for a labour hire worker and was fined in the Perth Magistrates Court last week.

In August 2012, a labour hire apprentice carpenter received tendon damage and severe lacerations to the thumb, index and middle fingers of his right hand while using a table saw during a residential construction job.

According to WorkSafe WA, the apprentice was instructed in the use of the table saw; however, a guard was not fitted as Dodds “believed it restricted the ability to cut the boards on a curve”.

WorkSafe Director Chris Kirwin said the case should serve as a warning to ensure hazardous machines were guarded and to provide proper training to young workers, especially those employed under labour hire arrangements.

“Allowing a worker to be exposed to an open unguarded blade like this is simply a disaster waiting to happen,” Kirwin said.

“This hazard is common knowledge in the construction industry and all workers exposed to it are at risk of suffering serious injuries such as the loss of fingers.  This young man was fortunate that his fingers were not amputated in this incident.

“It was practicable for Mr Dodds to have fitted the guard to the table saw or to have used a far safer jigsaw to cut the boards, as he did have jigsaws available.”

Kirwin said the case is also a reminder that the training and instruction of young apprentices under labour hire arrangements must be ensured by both the labour hire company and the host employer.

“Mr Dodds was responsible for the apprentice, and he did not make his workers’ safety and health the first priority by guarding the saw and ensuring safe work practices were in place.”

Further information on machinery guarding and responsibilities under labour hire arrangements can be obtained by telephoning WorkSafe on 1300 307877 or at www.worksafe.wa.gov.au.

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